Woman exploiting own daughters arrested

CEBU, Philippines — A woman who allegedly trafficked her children online was arrested in a joint entrapment operation led by the personnel of Women and Children Protection Center-Visayas Field Unit in Barangay Sta. Rosa Proper, Olango Island, Lapu-Lapu City.

According to the Police Regional Office-7, an undercover officer discovered that the suspect was offering illicit services involving her children through online platforms, leading to the operation and the rescue of a 15-year-old victim and the arrest of the suspect.

During the operation, a cellphone was confiscated from the suspect. Data on the cellphone let to the rescue of another minor victim in Sitio Poo, Barangay San Vicente, Olango Island, and the confiscation of yet another cellphone.

Both rescued victims are now under the care of the Center for Women and Children of the Department of Social Welfare and Development-7.

The suspect is in the custody of Police Station 1, Lapu-lapu City Police Office and will be facing charges in violation of Section 4(a) of the Republic Act No. 11862 or the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2022.

PRO-7 regional director Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan said that this case highlights the importance of online surveillance and undercover work in protecting vulnerable individuals. He urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious online activities to authorities for immediate action. — (FREEMAN)